(Providence, R.I.)–Highlighting the need for additional security resources at the Port of Providence and ports across the United States, Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) today called upon the Bush Administration to make available additional federal funding to meet the new safety demands of waterway commerce.  The Congressmen were also joined by Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty and Maj. Gen. Centracchio.

 Both Kennedy and Langevin called for three specific steps to better safeguard the Port of Providence and all U.S. ports from terrorist activity:

· Provide local port authorities with the funding they need to implement required security measures
· Deploy personnel and equipment to ensure that containers are free of weapons of mass destruction before they reach our ports. 
· Provide proper levels of personnel working at our ports to put these programs into place

 "There is no responsibility greater for an elected official than ensuring the safety of our residents," said Kennedy, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  "While I am glad the federal government has taken major steps toward improving security at our airports since 9/11, there is much work to be done on our ports.  The people at ProvPort and at ports across the country are ready to take the necessary steps, but we first must provide the funding.  I am proud to be here with Jim Langevin to draw attention to the great need that exists at our ports."

 "Ports throughout the country have made significant security improvements since the devastating terrorist attacks on our nation," said Congressman Langevin, a member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.  "However, reports of recent lapses, combined with a lack of adequate funding and equipment, demonstrate that ports remain vulnerable to terrorist activity.  The war on terror is not limited to Afghanistan or Iraq.  We must ensure that all cargo entering the United States is thoroughly inspected and is not a threat to our country."

 "We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have gotten a jump start on homeland security planning. Even before 9-11, the Emergency Management Council, which I chair, had a planning committee in place and had received one of only four grants in the country to carry out our work. However, everything we do to protect ourselves - whether as a state, city or private company - costs an enormous amount of money and frankly, states cannot afford to keep picking up the tab for homeland security at our ports - from tabletop exercises to increased monitoring. In order to comply with the new set of regulations from the Department of Homeland Security we're going to need a consistent stream of funding from the federal government," Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty said.

 Every day, thousands of ships and containers enter America's ports.  Any one of them could contain a weapon of mass destruction (WMD), which if detonated could once again disrupt the economy and injure thousands of Americans.  Experts, including the National Intelligence Council, warn that WMD attacks on America are more likely to come from cargo that passes through ports than from missiles. For two years in a row, ABC News has demonstrated that uranium can come through American ports undetected.  Yet, less than three percent of these containers are inspected before they enter U.S. ports.

 During the event, officials from Shanix Incorporated of Cranston demonstrated their digital imaging technology.  Currently, ProvPort is outfitted with camera and surveillance equipment from Shanix.  The equipment is capable of closely monitoring ships and people coming in and out of the port to guard against any potential threats.

 ProvPort has been able to upgrade its security with federal funds through the purchase of the Shanix equipment and two vehicles to patrol the area.  However, several remaining needs may go unmet if Congress and the President do not act to increase funding.  Though the Bush Administration has announced new port security standards and container security programs, no new funding was made available to the Coast Guard or to the industry to help meet those goals, and container security initiatives fall short of ensuring that weapons of mass destruction are not smuggled in via our nation's ports.

 While ProvPort has made significant improvements, they have recently applied for additional funding for enhanced communications systems, dock lighting, security personnel and a security detection system.  In addition to the current initiatives underway, ProvPort is looking to add a 24-hour-a-day security force to monitor the area and intercede in the event of a suspicious situation.

 "The President has requested billions to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan, but not nearly enough for our own port security," added Langevin.  "Surely, our citizens deserve the same priority as our reconstruction efforts in Iraq."

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